Read: John 11:1-4, 17-27, 38-44
This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God. (v. 4)
As a child, I was terrified of death. I was afraid that I might suddenly die, and that thought always left me with deep anguish. And then five years ago, I experienced a profound change. My mother died after battling cancer for more than 18 months.
I still remember the night my mother passed away; as a family, we were all around her. I was holding her hands as I tried to give her courage. We kept telling her, “Don’t be afraid, Mom, Jesus is waiting for you. You have trusted him and he is never going to forsake you.” I remember that moment and the silence when she slowly ceased to breathe. It was like she was going to sleep. She quietly passed away.
Despite my shock and grief, this was also the moment I felt the infinite presence and love of God as I had never experienced before. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life” (v. 25). Having Jesus means to have resurrection and life within us forever. Since there is no resurrection apart from Christ, there is also no eternal life apart from Christ. Not only does he give life, but he is life and therefore, death has no ultimate power over him. For this reason, if you believe in him, though you may die to this life, you shall live because Jesus is our champion over death.
As you pray, give thanks to Jesus that through his death and resurrection we have eternal life.
About the Author
Genci Hoxha
Genci Hoxha is one of the leaders at a local church in Tirana where he is also involved in the ministry of teaching and preaching the Word. For 19 years, he served full-time with CRU in Albania. Three years ago, Genci Hoxha published his first poetry book entitled “Pasqyra e Qiellit” (English: The Sky’s Reflection).
These devotionals were first published in Fjalet e Shpreses, Words of Hope’s Albanian devotional. Learn more about Words of Hope Albania, and our work in training and equipping local Christian leaders to write and share the Word of God.
